It would help but there are some guys that do ok with kayaks. Need spinning outfit. As for depth, depends on time of year, temps and tine of day. Could get them pretty shallow right now. I can give you some tips if you like. Also, check out crappie.com. Very active and helpful. Been around 25 years.
I’ve been fishing a 14/36 Jon for quite a few years. My next will be at least something like this
https://www.trackerboats.com/jon/grizzly-1754-jon.html
Small enough for ponds, stable enough for larger bodies of water. I like wide boats. Safer, more comfortable, easier to move around. Rig it...
If you haven’t thought of it and done it already, it might be worth a guided trip to learn their methods. I watched some videos and it looks like fun when they’re biting.
That’s a great set up. I limb lined about 30 years ago and did well. Now I think someone makes a heavy duty graphite pole you shove in the river bank that does the same thing.
ETA: https://www.catfishgetters.com/product-page/8-ft-whisker-stick-3-8-inch-20-pack-free-shipping
pricy @ $388.00...